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China’s New Ballistic Missile Submarine Could Change its Prospects in Nuclear War

In the Deep Tropical Seas: The Type 094A, China’s newest nuclear missile submarine, is currently based at Hainan Island, in the underground submarine base at Yulin. It’s under the protection of the South Seas Fleet. [hmmw]

First seen in late November 2016, the Type 094A differs from the previous four Type 094 SSBNs, what with its curved conning tower and front base that’s blended into the submarine hull, possibly to reduce hydrodynamic drag. The Type 094A’s conning tower has also removed its windows. Additionally, the Type 094A has a retractable towed array sonar (TAS) mounted on the top of its upper tailfin, which would make it easier for the craft to “listen” for threats and avoid them.

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Provided the JL-2A has this kind of range, the new missile could reach virtually the entire United States without leaving the heavily defended Yulin Naval Base (itself complete with underground shelters and docks for submarines) in Hainan Island.

This vessel’s ability to reach global targets while lurking in heavily defended coastal waters will significantly boost China’s second strike capability (that is, the ability of a nuclear power to launch a retaliatory nuclear attack even after suffering a devastating conventional or nuclear attack).

Previously, this tech was not considered very survivable, due to the combination of shortcomings in anti-submarine warfare technology, noisy nuclear propulsion technology, and insufficient range. China’s improved submarine launched second strike capability is part of a boarder Chinese strategic modernization that includes early warning satellites, long-range missile defenses, stealth bombers, and heavy ICBMs.